Community hunters have killed 14 suspected bandits and rescued three victims after a fierce gun battle disrupted an alleged mass kidnapping plot in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Government said the confrontation occurred around Gidan Wawo village in Kakumi Ward, Bakori Local Government Area, on Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to the government, security agencies received intelligence at about 1:28 a.m. that 26 armed bandits riding on 13 motorcycles were heading towards Dawan Laila Forest. The group was allegedly led by a notorious kingpin identified as Isiya Kwashen Garwa and was preparing to attack neighbouring communities.
Security agencies placed their operational teams in Bakori on high alert following the report, helping to disrupt the suspected kidnapping operation.
How Katsina Hunters Foiled the Kidnap Plot
The situation escalated at about 1:31 p.m. when the armed men attacked a private vehicle carrying four passengers from Kakumi Ward to Illela Market in Sokoto State.
The attackers reportedly set the vehicle ablaze, trapping the occupants inside.
Community hunters from Gidan Wawo quickly mobilised and engaged the fleeing suspects in a gun battle. The encounter left 14 suspected bandits dead, while the hunters rescued three victims alive.
The Katsina State Government described the intervention as a major disruption of the planned attacks on communities in the area.
Hunter Killed as Traveller Dies in Vehicle Fire
Despite the operation’s success, the confrontation resulted in casualties among the hunters and travellers.
Mohammed Ibrahim Jidda, a 29-year-old community hunter, died during the encounter while defending his community.
Another hunter, Usman Sunday, 25, sustained minor gunshot injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
One of the travellers, Jamilu Lawal, 50, also died after being burnt in the vehicle set ablaze by the attackers.
The government acknowledged the sacrifices made by the community hunters and security personnel during the operation.
Katsina Government Warns of Possible Reprisal Attacks
Authorities have warned residents about the possibility of retaliatory attacks following the reported deaths of the suspected bandits.
The state government said security agencies had activated countermeasures to prevent further violence and protect communities at risk.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Danmusa, the government urged residents to remain calm and vigilant.
It also encouraged the public to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to help prevent further attacks.
The government commended the hunters for their swift response and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Katsina State.